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WINNERS

Jason Knight

The emergence of the young Irishman has been one of the positives to come from the season so far.

Another Academy product to progress to the first team, the 18-year-old midfielder made his senior debut as a late substitute at Huddersfield.

His first start came in the cup at Scunthorpe and his performance impressed the manager and fans alike.

He was handed his full league debut against West Bromwich Albion - in front of the live Sky Sports cameras - and certainly did not look out of place at Championship level in the 1-1 draw at Pride Park.

Knight is currently away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad.

Lee Buchanan

(Image: Andy Clarke)

Like Knight, Buchanan has been promoted to the first-team set-up after completing his Academy scholarship.

The 18-year-old defender announced himself in style by scoring the winner against Scunthorpe on his Rams debut.

Buchanan can play at centre-back but is also comfortable in the left-back role, which is where Cocu has used him.